The Senate has launched an investigation into the conduct of senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) during last Thursday’s plenary, referring the matter to its Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had refused to accept a new seat allocation in the chamber and openly defied Senate President Godswill Akpabio by insisting on making a point of order despite being ruled out of order.
The incident caused a stir within the red chamber.
During Tuesday’s plenary, chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, raised the matter, stating that the incident had tarnished the senate’s image.
He lamented that he had been engaging multiple media houses to clarify the senate’s position, describing the situation as damaging to the institution’s reputation.
Senate leader Opeyemi Bamidele, minority leader Abba Moro and senator Jimoh Ibrahim were among those who criticised Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions.
They argued that her behavior violated sections of the Senate Standing Orders, which empower the presiding officer to allocate seats and maintain decorum.
The lawmakers also faulted her for escalating an internal chamber matter to the media, leading to negative publicity for the senate.
Following deliberations, the senate voted to refer the issue to its ethics committee, which is expected to report back in two weeks.
